Last Monday, KSU’s women’s basketball head coach, Colby Tilley, saw his 35-year coaching career come to an end when he announced his retirement after 17 years with the Owls.
Coach Tilley’s emotional resignation speech was given at the Convocation Center’s hospitality suite overlooking the basketball court where he spent his final years as head coach.
Tilley was joined by many of his peers from the Department of Athletics, current and former players, media, and several members of the campus community.
“It’s time to close this chapter and whatever the next chapter is, I know the lord has got something for me,” said Tilley, holding back tears. “I just want to thank all of you who have been a part of this in the last 17 years; it’s been a great ride. I’m going to miss the day to day transactions, the day to day interactions with you guys; I wish you the best, thank you.”
Tilley was given a long standing ovation before fielding a few questions from the media and accepting thanks from former players. He will retire as the winningest coach in the history of the KSU women’s basketball program with a 290-208 record for the Black and Gold (742-328 career total).
“When I got my first coaching job in 1976 at Truett-McConnell College, I knew that this day would come at some point,” said Tilley. “Thirty-five years later it’s happened; it’s been a great ride and a great journey. I’m one of the luckiest guys in the world. I’ve been blessed and lucky to have a job that I loved doing for 35 years. To go that long, not very many people can have that.”
Athletics director Vaughn Williams had high praise for Tilley but also made sure to inform everyone gathered in the hospitality suite that the search for the Owls’ next coach will commence immediately. Williams also announced that assistant coach Kim Tingley will take charge, temporarily, as interim head coach of the women’s basketball program.
“I just want to thank Colby personally for his service to Kennesaw State and our student athletes. Colby is a true professional in every aspect of the word,” said Williams. “I’m going to find the right fit to carry this thing on. We’re going to find a great coach, I’m not worried.”
Former KSU athletic director Dr. Dave Waples originally hired coach Tilley and addressed the crowded hospitality suite before the coach spoke.
“The first year was a tremendous coaching job for (Tilley). He took a team that wasn’t very good and almost won the Peach Belt conference tournament,” recalled Dr. Waples. “He raised the bar in the Peach Belt Conference. Peach Belt basketball on the women’s side was not very good when we got there, and when KSU left it was nationally competitive. Clayton state just won the national championship a couple of years ago, and that’s all due to Colby. This is one of the most outstanding people I have ever known, character wise. This guy is just tremendous, and I mean that sincerely. I’m not just saying that because I’m standing up here.”
“I think the girls were surprised but kids are resilient, once they absorb the shock of what happened they can move forward,” said interim coach Tingley.
“I’ve learned a lot from coach Tilley, but the manner in which he conducts himself is something that I’ve benefitted from. His character has rubbed off and left a lasting impression on me. It’s the most important thing, especially today.”
Juniors Sametria Gideon and Ashley Holliday expressed gratitude toward Tilley for recruiting them to KSU.
“I’m really going to miss him,” said Holliday. “I had been recruited by KSU since I was in the eighth grade, I knew that (Tilley) really wanted me here and that this was the place that I wanted to be.”
“I appreciate Tilley recruiting me to Kennesaw,” said Gideon. “He came to see me play in high school, he used to send me little letters in the mail saying, ‘Kennesaw State wants you!’”
